In a small kitchen, it can be a challenge to know where to keep everything without it looking cluttered. However, by using some smart storage ideas, you can maximise your space and make your kitchen appear more organised.

Pull-out cupboards

In a small kitchen, you will want to make use of every bit of available space, including awkward corners. Pull-out shelves or carousels will allow you to make use of these awkward spaces while providing a convenient storage solution.

Go high

Consider using as much of the vertical space in your kitchen as possible with cabinets that go up to the ceiling. You can store your lesser-used ingredients and utensils higher up, but make sure you have an easily-storable folding step handy to be able to reach them.

If you are concerned that having these unusually shaped cabinets may make it hard to find fixtures for them, consider installing made to measure kitchen doors, from a specialist like https://www.happy-doors.co.uk/shop/products/kitchens, to help your kitchen appear stylish as well as functional.

Islands and breakfast bars

If your kitchen has an island or a breakfast bar, you probably do not want to get rid of it, even in a small kitchen, as they are so handy for food preparation. Instead, make them multifunctional, so that, as well as the surface for food prep, they also incorporate storage.

Multifunctional furniture

You can also incorporate storage into other items of furniture. If you have space for a table, choose one with deep drawers. For seating, consider chairs, stools, and benches that have lift-up seats to reveal hidden storage compartments. Benches, in particular, can allow you to easily store bulky items like baking trays and lunchboxes

Light and colour

You can give a small space an illusion of size by the clever use of light and colour. Opt for light-coloured paintwork and consider mirrored or reflective tiles. You should also maximise natural light by keeping your window uncluttered or adding a skylight. Additional lighting, like under-cabinet lights, will make your kitchen feel lighter and more spacious.

The change in seasons means you may have to bring your outdoor furniture back from its winter nap. The cushions and covers that adorn your garden furniture all need to be looked at. This is how you can bring them back to life in the right way. For Fabric for outdoor furniture, contact https://extex.co.uk/

Start with Inspection

Inspect the fabric for any damage before you clean it. Inspect seams, zips and fabric integrity. Periods of winter storage can sometimes reveal wear that needs to be fixed before the season starts.

Shake and Air Out

Take the cushions outside and shake off excess soil, dust, dirt. Place everything out in the sun for a couple of hours to air. Stale storage smells dissipate with fresh air and UV light.

Deep Clean Appropriately

In general, most outdoor fabrics can be machine washed using a gentle cycle and mild detergent. Check care labels first. For those items not safe to toss in the machine, use warm soapy water and a gentle brush using circular motions.

Tackle Stubborn Stains

For mildew spots, combine one part white vinegar with four parts water. Mix bicarbonate of soda with water to make a paste for most stains. Apply and leave for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Dry Completely

Never rush drying. Damp fabric breeds mould quickly. If feasible, air-dry in direct sunlight turning items where applicable. Remember to thoroughly dry cushions before placing them back outside or in storage.

Prevention for Next Year

Stash the cushions in some kind of bag, ideally breathable and not plastic. Put all of the goods in a bag and add some silica gel packets to reduce moisture. Storing properly now = less work next spring.

A comprehensive spring cleaning keeps your outdoor space beautiful all season.

When it comes to home investment, particularly for kitchens and bathrooms or anyone with pets/children, understanding the water resistance in laminate is vital.

Traditional laminate is water-resistant, but not waterproof. The hardwood is resistant to minor spills if the messes are cleaned up fast, but long-term exposure can make it swell and/or warp; this could result in irreversible damage. Wood-based materials tend to absorb water over time.

What About Waterproof Laminates?

There are now waterproof laminate products on the market that feature plastic or stone composite cores. They are better at resisting long term standing water than typical laminate floors, which makes them ideal for use in high moisture areas. But they can also cost more than traditional plastic laminate.

Where Can You Use Laminate?

Basic laminate varieties are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and rarely-used dining areas with no or little humidity. Opt for high-grade water-resistant laminate in kitchens, and clean spills up quickly. For 12mm Laminate Flooring, contact www.irwintiles.ie/wooden-flooring/laminate-flooring/laminate-12mm-water-resistant

Protection Tips

Even water-resistant laminate needs care. Place mats around sinks and at entryways, clean spills right away, avoiding the use of steam mops or excessive water when cleaning. Improve installation by adding moisture barriers over concrete subfloors.

The Bottom Line

Although you can obtain laminate flooring that is very durable – it’s even marketed as waterproof; don’t confuse this with water resistant – it is not invincible against water. The moisture level of your space needs consideration. If your environment is definitely going to get wet, then waterproof laminate or some other type of flooring like vinyl will be better suited for you.

Knowing these distinctions will save your flooring investment for years to come.